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What is it like to be a Muslim in Britain today? What is it like to be a Muslim in Britain today?
(about 1 month later)
We asked Muslim bloggers to share their own experiences and opinions about living as a Muslim in Britain today. Have you had similar We asked Muslim bloggers to share their own experiences and opinions about living as a Muslim in Britain today. Have you had similar or different experiences? Answer the questions yourself in the comment thread, or fill out the form anonymously below. We'll post a selection of the best responses on the site.
or different experiences? Answer the questions yourself in the comment thread, or fill out the form anonymously below. We'll post a selection of the best responses on the site.
1. What does it mean to you to be Muslim?1. What does it mean to you to be Muslim?
Sadiya Ahmed, 40, lives in London. In 2010, she founded Everyday Sadiya Ahmed, 40, lives in London. In 2010, she founded Everyday Muslim, a project creating an archive of British Muslim life, education and culture. She says the project gives a sense of belonging to communities and young Muslims who can feel disaffected or demonised on the basis of their faith.
Muslim, a project creating an archive of Today, global events have transformed what being a Muslim means from a private to a public experience. We are faced with divisive and worrying questions from our children asking, “What does Jihad mean?” or “What is a Shia or a Sunni?” Why or how these questions have been created is debatable. What I do know is being Muslim in essence can never change, only the political rhetoric that surrounds it.
British Muslim life, education and culture. She says the project gives a sense of belonging to communities and young Muslims who can feel disaffected or demonised on the basis of their faith. To be a Muslim is a deeply personal and spiritual sense of being that is individual to every Muslim. Of the Sunnah teachings, my favourite is to smile. Smiling is considered a form of charity in Islam and epitomises what being a Muslim means to me. Although, these can be interpreted differently one binding belief is the Shahadah; "There is no god but God, Muhammad is the messenger of God." Growing up as a Muslim in London was a unifying experience expressed through actions of kindness and consideration for neighbours, the elderly and each other - regardless of faith.
Today,
global events have transformed what being a Muslim means from a
private to a public experience. We are faced with divisive and
worrying questions from our children asking, “What does Jihad
mean?” or “What is a Shia or a Sunni?” Why or how these
questions have been created is debatable. What I do know is being
Muslim in essence can never change, only the political rhetoric that
surrounds it.
To
be a Muslim is a deeply personal and spiritual sense of being that is
individual to every Muslim. Of the Sunnah teachings, my
favourite is to smile. Smiling is considered a form of charity in
Islam and epitomises what being a Muslim means to me. Although,
these can be interpreted differently one binding
belief is the Shahadah; "There is no god but God, Muhammad is
the messenger of God." Growing
up as a Muslim in London was a unifying experience expressed through
actions of kindness and consideration for neighbours, the elderly and
each other - regardless of faith.
Are you taking part in #SuhoorSelfie? http://t.co/znFsep2gHB Remember #ASmileIsCharityAre you taking part in #SuhoorSelfie? http://t.co/znFsep2gHB Remember #ASmileIsCharity
2. Did you convert to Islam? Did this affect your understanding and experience of British society?2. Did you convert to Islam? Did this affect your understanding and experience of British society?
Sarah Ager, 26, founded the Interfaith Ramadan project. Three years ago Sarah was a Christian student living in Leicester. Today she is a Muslim teacher and blogger living in Bologna, Italy. Sarah Ager, 26, founded the Interfaith Ramadan project. Three years ago Sarah was a Christian student living in Leicester. Today she is a Muslim teacher and blogger living in Bologna, Italy.
Having converted to Islam while living in Italy, my first experience of being a Muslim in the UK was being interrogated by a taxi driver on my way home to spend Christmas with my family. After the dreaded (and all too common) question, "no, where are you really from?" he remarked, “I don't get it. You're British but you don't drink beer or eat bacon? There's something not right there.”Having converted to Islam while living in Italy, my first experience of being a Muslim in the UK was being interrogated by a taxi driver on my way home to spend Christmas with my family. After the dreaded (and all too common) question, "no, where are you really from?" he remarked, “I don't get it. You're British but you don't drink beer or eat bacon? There's something not right there.”
My Britishness was never in doubt before I became a Muslim, but the My Britishness was never in doubt before I became a Muslim, but the habits I had as a Christian are now seen as somehow foreign and mutually exclusive to being a British citizen. The two sit very comfortably side by side in my heart and mind. Not only are my Islamic values filtered through my experience of being raised in Britain, but my British values are also backed up by my Islamic ones
habits I had as a Christian are now seen as somehow foreign and mutually
exclusive to being a British citizen. The two sit very comfortably side by side in my heart and mind. Not only are my Islamic values filtered through my experience of being raised in Britain, but my British values are also backed up by my Islamic ones
3. What are the best aspects of being a Muslim in Britain today?3. What are the best aspects of being a Muslim in Britain today?
Fatima Adam is French but lives in London. She left France eight years ago as a result of racism and islamophobia she experienced there. Fatima writes for the Christian Muslim Forum, an organisation that builds relationships between churches and mosques.Fatima Adam is French but lives in London. She left France eight years ago as a result of racism and islamophobia she experienced there. Fatima writes for the Christian Muslim Forum, an organisation that builds relationships between churches and mosques.
How extraordinary it was, when I arrived in London eight years ago to How extraordinary it was, when I arrived in London eight years ago to discover women wearing headscarves at the town hall, in airports or in shopping centres. I felt it was not only acceptable, but also normal to be Muslim. It does not seem a big deal to have Muslim MPs in Britain.
discover women wearing headscarves at the town hall, in airports or in My sister sent me a text message earlier this year to let me know she had seen a woman wearing a headscarf working in a clothes shop in the heart of Paris. I am French, so for me that was such news - it marked a sign of progress.
shopping centres. I felt it was not only acceptable, but also normal to I feel free to be Muslim here. There are facilities available in some work places to perform daily prayers, I can attend diverse religious lectures and activities in locations shared with non­ Muslims - such as universities.
be Muslim. It does not seem a big deal to have Muslim MPs in Britain.
My sister sent me a text message earlier this year to let me know she had seen a woman
wearing a headscarf working in a clothes shop in the heart of Paris. I am French, so for me that was such news - it marked a sign of progress.
I feel free to be Muslim here. There are facilities available in some work places to
perform daily prayers, I can attend diverse religious lectures and activities in locations
shared with non­ Muslims - such as universities.
4. What are the worst aspects of being a Muslim in Britain today?4. What are the worst aspects of being a Muslim in Britain today?
Hira Amin, 27 lives in London. She is completing a PhD at Cambridge University about islamic revivalism and the migration of South Asian Muslims to the UK. Hira writes for Muslim Matters, a collaboration between bloggers and shuyukh - muslim scholars and leaders - to bring attention to issues affecting Muslims in the West. Hira Amin, 27 lives in London. She is completing a PhD at Cambridge University about islamic revivalism and the migration of South Asian Muslims to the UK. Hira writes for Muslim Matters, a collaboration between bloggers and shuyukh - muslim scholars and leaders - to bring attention to issues affecting Muslims in the West.
The condescending remarks I receive for following a religion. I have actually had people say to me: “I don’t believe in religion, I believe in science.” As if I believe in Mickey Mouse! Just because I believe in God does not make me a less rational human being. The prevalent belief that science answers all questions is astonishing. As western philosophers of science point out, science cannot answer questions surrounding the issues of morality, meaning and purpose. Science can only study the physical world, not the metaphysical. Religious people do not reject science; we believe there is more to life than just physical matter. It is interesting to note that this issue is specifically European, as the US – the most practising Christian country in the industrialised world – has greater respect for religion.The condescending remarks I receive for following a religion. I have actually had people say to me: “I don’t believe in religion, I believe in science.” As if I believe in Mickey Mouse! Just because I believe in God does not make me a less rational human being. The prevalent belief that science answers all questions is astonishing. As western philosophers of science point out, science cannot answer questions surrounding the issues of morality, meaning and purpose. Science can only study the physical world, not the metaphysical. Religious people do not reject science; we believe there is more to life than just physical matter. It is interesting to note that this issue is specifically European, as the US – the most practising Christian country in the industrialised world – has greater respect for religion.
5. How do you feel the media depicts Muslims and Islam and how does this affect you? ­5. How do you feel the media depicts Muslims and Islam and how does this affect you? ­
Shaista Aziz is a freelance journalist and stand-up comedian born in Oxford and now living between Islamabad, Pakistan and the UK. She is the co-founder of the Everyday Bigotry project, which documents experiences of islamophobia and bigotry by American and British born Muslims.Shaista Aziz is a freelance journalist and stand-up comedian born in Oxford and now living between Islamabad, Pakistan and the UK. She is the co-founder of the Everyday Bigotry project, which documents experiences of islamophobia and bigotry by American and British born Muslims.
From sharia law, "secret halal" scandals, the burqa, hijab, so called "honour" killings, sex grooming gangs, trojan horses, jihad, terrorism and the annual "Muslims are cancelling Christmas" story, the media has us covered. Except they don't. Given the amount of time the media spends discussing "the Muslims" From sharia law, "secret halal" scandals, the burqa, hijab, so called "honour" killings, sex grooming gangs, trojan horses, jihad, terrorism and the annual "Muslims are cancelling Christmas" story, the media has us covered. Except they don't. Given the amount of time the media spends discussing "the Muslims" most people remain ill informed and ignorant about Islam and Muslims. Of course there is a correlation?
most people remain ill informed and ignorant about Islam and Muslims. Of course Headlines are sensational or distorted and reporting is often deeply racist. This impacts directly on the lives of British Muslims across the UK. Some of the stories that are emerging are painful and disturbing. Visible Muslim women in particular are bearing the brunt of Islamophobic abuse - verbal and physical - on the streets, at schools and colleges, in the office and online. The Everyday Bigotry Project has found that many Muslims are internalising islamophobia and it is being normalised. These are some of responses we got to an online debate:
there is a correlation?
Headlines are sensational or distorted and reporting is often deeply racist. This impacts directly on the lives of British Muslims across the UK. Some of the stories that are emerging are painful and disturbing. Visible Muslim women in particular are bearing the brunt of Islamophobic abuse - verbal and physical - on the streets, at schools and colleges, in the office and online. The Everyday Bigotry Project has found that many Muslims are internalising islamophobia and it is being normalised. These are some of responses we got to an online debate:
#IslamophobiaIs when being civically engaged means you're "infiltrating" institutions#IslamophobiaIs when being civically engaged means you're "infiltrating" institutions
#islamaphobiaIS WM calling Muslim women oppressed for CHOOSING to wear the hijab, while calling girls slutty for CHOOSING to wear shorts#islamaphobiaIS WM calling Muslim women oppressed for CHOOSING to wear the hijab, while calling girls slutty for CHOOSING to wear shorts
#islamophobiaIs On train journeys to London, purposely taking out study texts to show rucksack isn't a bomb#islamophobiaIs On train journeys to London, purposely taking out study texts to show rucksack isn't a bomb
6. Do you think there are misconceptions about Islam in Britain today? If so, what are they?6. Do you think there are misconceptions about Islam in Britain today? If so, what are they?
Saira Niazi, 24, lives in London and works for an environmental regeneration charity. She uses photography, film and words on Sy's Prints, her blog about community life in the UK.Saira Niazi, 24, lives in London and works for an environmental regeneration charity. She uses photography, film and words on Sy's Prints, her blog about community life in the UK.
Much post 9/11 popular Much post 9/11 popular culture has perpetuated notions of the aggressive Muslim through the sustained demonisation of Islam, Muslims and the Prophet Muhammad (saw). Muslim culture is depicted as unchanging and monolithic whereas Muslims are portrayed as backwards, irrational, and aggressive fanatics; their religion is seen to be wholly incompatible with the ways of the West. Many post 9­/11 films have propagated images of the violent barbaric Muslim Other. The Muslim villain is used to portray struggles between good against bad and is accepted because of the historical continuity of negative representations of Muslims since the Middle Ages. The power of stereotypes to inflict damage on innocent people is much greater than before 9­/11, as can be seen by the growth of attacks on Muslims.
culture has perpetuated notions of the aggressive Muslim through the sustained demonisation of
Islam, Muslims and the Prophet Muhammad (saw). Muslim culture is depicted as unchanging and monolithic whereas Muslims are portrayed as backwards, irrational, and aggressive fanatics; their religion is seen to be wholly incompatible with the ways of the West. Many post
9­/11 films have propagated images of the violent barbaric
Muslim Other. The Muslim villain is used to portray struggles between good against bad and is accepted because of
the historical continuity of negative representations of Muslims since the Middle Ages. The power of stereotypes to inflict damage on innocent people is
much greater than before 9­/11, as can be seen by the growth of attacks on Muslims.
7. Have you ever experienced intolerance or abuse in Britain because you are a Muslim?7. Have you ever experienced intolerance or abuse in Britain because you are a Muslim?
Maryam Din is a black queer feminist Muslim and writes a blog called 5 Pillars and 6 Colours. She prides herself on being a Daily Mail reader's worst nightmare. Maryam Din is a black queer feminist Muslim and writes a blog called 5 Pillars and 6 Colours. She prides herself on being a Daily Mail reader's worst nightmare.
I identify as a queer Muslim and it is through this intersection that I face the most intolerance and abuse. I face LGBTQ-phobia from some sections of the Muslim community and islamophobia coupled with racism from some sections of the LGBTQ community. This has often meant that I have to downplay the importance of my religion and vice versa when in Muslim spaces. It boils down to safety. I identify as a queer Muslim and it is through this intersection that I face the most intolerance and abuse. I face LGBTQ-phobia from some sections of the Muslim community and islamophobia coupled with racism from some sections of the LGBTQ community. This has often meant that I have to downplay the importance of my religion and vice versa when in Muslim spaces. It boils down to safety.
I remember a specific incident while I was clubbing at university. En route to leaving the club a white man had shouted a racist comment at me but I wasn’t sure if I had heard it properly so I didn’t react. I turned around to see my white friend who was with me confront and challenge him. We ended up getting him kicked out of the club. The bouncers, also white, were excellent at dealing with this situation.I remember a specific incident while I was clubbing at university. En route to leaving the club a white man had shouted a racist comment at me but I wasn’t sure if I had heard it properly so I didn’t react. I turned around to see my white friend who was with me confront and challenge him. We ended up getting him kicked out of the club. The bouncers, also white, were excellent at dealing with this situation.
8. What contributions do you think Muslims have made to British society?8. What contributions do you think Muslims have made to British society?
Muhammad Akhter, 32, is a doctor in Essex. When he isn't treating patients or blogging for Muslim Matters about Islamic history, he collects space memorabilia.Muhammad Akhter, 32, is a doctor in Essex. When he isn't treating patients or blogging for Muslim Matters about Islamic history, he collects space memorabilia.
Muslims have made contributions to British society in many ways: ­ culinary, fashion, economic and medical. Yet this is still a young community finding its feet. We have many internal Muslims have made contributions to British society in many ways: ­ culinary, fashion, economic and medical. Yet this is still a young community finding its feet. We have many internal problems to contend with (illiteracy, sectarianism and identity crises to mention a few) and a few external ones that have a tendency to grab the headlines. None are insurmountable, but sometimes they can feel that way.
problems to contend with (illiteracy, sectarianism and identity crises to mention a few) and a few external ones that have a tendency to grab the headlines. None are insurmountable, but sometimes they The Muslim community can be an innovative, socially conscious and energising presence in British society, creating and developing deep links to many of the rapidly growing economies of the world. On the other hand, it could slide into being a persecuted, marginalised and mistrusted minority that is a drain on resources and social cohesion. How things turn out will depend not only on whether we are able to move forward in a way that allows us to remain true to our faith and still be productive British citizens, but also on whether the wider community will allow us the time and space to do so.
can feel that way.
The Muslim community can be an innovative, socially conscious and energising presence in
British society, creating and developing deep links to many of the rapidly growing economies of the world. On the other hand,
it could slide into being a persecuted, marginalised and mistrusted minority that is a drain on resources and
social cohesion. How things turn out will depend not only on whether we are able to move forward in a way
that allows us to remain true to our faith and still be productive British citizens, but also on whether the
wider community will allow us the time and space to do so.
9. Do you consider yourself to be British? Why or why not?9. Do you consider yourself to be British? Why or why not?
Asif Iqbal, Asif Iqbal, 32, lives in Keighley, Yorkshire and works for Sainsbury's as an IT Analyst. In 2012 he founded Halal or Haram, which helps Muslims make decisions about the food they buy and eat.
32, lives in I would say I am a British citizen because I was born here and grew up around the culture and values of the majority of Britons. However, I am familiar with my origin and would not disregard this to be more "British" in terms of my values, lifestyle or beliefs. I would not proudly be called "British", but this is not due to arrogance or ignorance; it's simply due to the prejudiced view of certain people living in Britain who feel that this is not "our" country because we have a somewhat different lifestyle and upbringing to theirs.
Keighley, Yorkshire and works for Sainsbury's as an IT Analyst. In 2012 he founded Halal or Haram, which helps Muslims make decisions about the food they buy and eat. We are free to live how we want within the boundaries of the UK law but are we not free to choose what is morally right for us? There is more to being British than looking, sounding and dressing a certain way. We can still be educated, successful, socially active and know the A­ to Z of royal history. As Britons we share some values and recognise that there are commonalities between us which bring us together. Why do people refuse to accept differences if the one thing Britain prides itself upon is being multicultural?
I would say I am a British citizen because I was born here and grew up around the culture
and values of the majority of Britons. However, I am familiar with my origin and would not disregard this to be more "British" in terms of my values, lifestyle or beliefs. I would not proudly be called "British", but this is not due to arrogance or ignorance; it's simply
due to the prejudiced view of certain people living in Britain who feel that this is not "our"
country because we have a somewhat different lifestyle and upbringing to theirs.
We are free to live how we want within the boundaries of the UK
law but are we not free to choose what is morally right for us? There is more to being British than looking, sounding and dressing a certain way. We can
still be educated, successful, socially active and know the A­ to Z of royal history. As Britons we share some values and
recognise that there are commonalities between us which bring us together. Why do people refuse to accept differences if the one thing Britain prides
itself upon is being multicultural?
Share your own experiences on the form below by answering as many or as few of the questions as you wish. We will share a selection on the website if you are happy for us to do so.Share your own experiences on the form below by answering as many or as few of the questions as you wish. We will share a selection on the website if you are happy for us to do so.